Tennessee Treasures, by Heather Davis
As a writer based in Chicago for the last seven years, I have
come to love the energy and excitement of big city life. But
amidst the hustle and bustle, I often find myself longing for
the soothing scenery, hometown hospitality, and simple pleasures
of another place-- my home state of Tennessee. As a Chattanooga
native, I carry with me the wonder of mist-covered mountains and
wide, winding rivers; the comfort of small towns and friendly
folk; the sound of blues and bluegrass on a sultry summer
evening. The Volunteer State has seen many changes since I first
headed to the Windy City, and each time I return home I am
surprised at just how many new things there are to see and do.
Still, it is in the old tried-and-true treasures that one finds
the genuine spirit of Tennessee.
>From the lively and colorful river towns in the western region
to middle Tennessees thriving cities and rolling pasturelands,
and on to the rich history, Appalachian charm, and aweinspiring
scenery of the east, this southern gem continues to win the
hearts of all who come here. Be it old or new, you are sure to
leave Tennessee with memories that will last a lifetime.
West Tennessee
Travel along the western regions Mississippi River banks to
Memphis, and you will soon discover that this vibrant town is
alive and breathing with a soulful fever that just will not
break. As a traveler, you do not so much observe this city as
you experience it the seducing sounds of the blues flowing like
honey from corner clubs; the sweet, tangy smoke of age-old
barbeque pits; the warm, inviting breeze gliding in from the
water; the hazy glow of neon against a night sky. This is the
Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll, and once
you have been here, you will be hard pressed to get it out of
your veins.
Strolling along world-famous Beale Street in the evening, it is
easy to understand why this three-block stretch of Memphis road
has been a legend for more than half a century. Used as the
headquarters for General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War,
the street finally saw its heyday in the 1920s when it boomed
with nightclubs, gambling, theaters, and late-night restaurants.
Albeit somewhat tamer these days, the famed street still pulses
with over twenty live music clubs, restaurants, and shops. Stop
in BB Kings Blues Club to taste some of the legends favorite
dishes, such as world-championship gumbo.
Meanwhile, enjoy some of the citys best live music, with regular
performances by such greats as Ruby Wilson (the Queen of Beale
Street) and, on occasion, Mr. King himself. And do not miss
Elvis Presleys Memphis, a restaurant and entertainment facility
that serves up his mothers recipes as well as some of his own
favorite dishes. 901-526-0110, www.bealestreet.com
Of course, you can not get too much of The King. A trip to
Memphis is not complete without a tour of Graceland, where
you'll explore his magnificent mansion, the meditation garden
and cemetery, and yes his famous pink Cadillac. Be sure to
wander through the Heartbreak Hotel, as its fun and fanciful
style makes for interesting sightseeing and photo opportunities.
800-238-2000, www.elvis.com Next, take a guided tour of Sun
Studio, where Elvis recorded his first album and forever changed
American music by blending blues and country into a new rock n
roll groove. 800-441-6249, www.sunstudio.com Finish off with
lunch at Arcade Restaurant, an old Elvis haunt that has starred
in eleven films and has become a favorite downtown landmark.
901-526-5757.
Tracing the history of Memphis does not stop with its music,
however. There may not be a more moving home of history than the
National Civil Rights Museum, which opened in 1991 at the
Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in
1968. Dr. King's motel room is viewable just as he left it,
while halls of exhibits chronicle the civil rights movement.
901-521-9699, www.civilrightsmuseum.org
For an exotic experience, visit the Memphis Zoos newest exhibit,
China. A world-class giant panda facility is home to Ya Ya and
Le Le, one of only nine pairs of pandas outside China. Pagodas,
traditional Chinese water gardens, and China-native trees and
plants make this a beautiful area to explore while viewing
white-naped cranes, Asian small-clawed otters, and pheasants. A
traditional teahouse holds a custom-crafted carousel of
endangered animals, as well as a gift shop and ethnic food
court. 800-290-6041, memphiszoo.org.
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